LAWRENCE COUNTY — The Lawrence County Highway Department is officially moving forward with the replacement of a key rural structure as crews simultaneously pivot toward spring road maintenance he reported to the commissioners this morning.
Highway Superintendent Brian Sowder reported to the County Commissioners on Tuesday morning that the long-anticipated replacement of Bridge 46, located on Bartlettsville Road over Little Salt Creek near Heltonville, has entered its initial engineering and right-of-way acquisition phase. The bridge was built in 1965.
Leadership Transition: New Bridge Foreman Named
A key part of the department’s progress involves a transition in leadership for its specialized crews. During the meeting, it was announced that Daniel Walls has been named the new Bridge Crew Foreman. Walls will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the county’s numerous structures and managing the hands-on work required for upcoming repair projects.
While the current structure remains in use, Sowder noted that the complexities of modern infrastructure mean a new bridge will take time. The project is being funded through a competitive federal grant administered by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), which was recently awarded as part of a statewide rural bridge initiative. Because the project utilizes federal tax dollars, the county must adhere to a rigorous set of federal requirements.
“We are bound by federal mandates for the grant process,” Sowder explained, citing the extensive environmental reviews, design standards, and land-acquisition protocols that dictate the multi-year timeline.
Spring “Housekeeping” and Pothole Patrol
While major bridge projects look toward the future, highway crews are focused on the immediate needs of the county’s 600+ miles of roadway. With the winter freeze-thaw cycle in full effect, the department is gearing up for “pothole season.”
Under the direction of Superintendent Sowder and the foremen, crews are currently performing:
- Brush Clearing: Removing vegetation under county bridges and along roadsides to improve visibility and structural access.
- Drainage Work: Clearing ditches and replacing culverts to prevent water damage as spring rains approach.
- Paving Preparation: The department is finalizing the 2026 paving list, which was officially made available for bid on February 24. Three bids were received this morning and taken under advisement.
